GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Car Repossession Frequency Statistics

Car repossession rates are highest in the first year after purchase, with 1 in 140 car owners facing repossession within this time frame.

Highlights: Car Repossession Frequency Statistics

  • In 2020, lenders repossessed approximately 1.1 million vehicles in the United States, compared to 1.8 million in 2019.
  • In 2019, nearly 8 out of 10 repossessions resulted from late payments related to subprime auto loans.
  • Texas leads the U.S. in car repossessions, with a rate of about 23.9 per 1,000 people.
  • Car repossession rates peak at the age group of 30-49, at 0.3%.
  • In the U.S., 2% of auto loans are 90 days or more past due, increasing the risk of repossession.
  • Vehicle repossession rates are highest among subprime borrowers, reaching as high as 9.5% in the fourth quarter of 2019.
  • From January to October 2020, 1 out of every 8,078 cars in the U.S. got repossessed.
  • In 2019, Wyoming reported the nation’s highest auto repossession rate, at 0.37%.
  • In the year 2020, only 26.23% of repossession orders issued were for cars.
  • Nearly 1 in 10 customers with “deep subprime” credit scores who took out auto loans in 2019 had a car repossession.
  • A 2019 study reported that approximately 6% of all auto loans in Florida ended in repossession.
  • In 2018, auto loan delinquency rates increased for the first time in three years, hitting 2.4% and boosting the car repossession rate.
  • In 2020, car repossession activity reduced by 50% due to Covid-19 pandemic compared to 2019.
  • As of 2019, the southern U.S. region reports higher rates of auto loan delinquency and repossession than other regions.
  • Auto repossession rates tend to spike in the first quarter of any given year, by upto 10%.
  • In the U.S., vehicle loan debt reached a record $1.2 trillion in 2020, contributing to an increase in potential vehicle repossessions.
  • As of 2019, the vehicle repossession rate was significantly higher among used cars financed through dealerships, at rates over 16% compared to less than 2% for new cars.
  • About 22% of subprime auto loans result in default, leading to potential car repossessions.

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The Latest Car Repossession Frequency Statistics Explained

In 2020, lenders repossessed approximately 1.1 million vehicles in the United States, compared to 1.8 million in 2019.

The statistic indicates that the number of vehicle repossessions by lenders in the United States decreased from approximately 1.8 million in 2019 to 1.1 million in 2020. This 39% drop in repossessions suggests a potential shift in the economic conditions and financial stability of individuals during these two years. A decrease in repossessions could be indicative of improved economic conditions, such as lower unemployment rates, increased wage growth, or government interventions like stimulus packages. Alternatively, it could also signal greater leniency from lenders due to temporary relief measures put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, this statistic offers valuable insight into the financial well-being of consumers and the broader economy during this period.

In 2019, nearly 8 out of 10 repossessions resulted from late payments related to subprime auto loans.

The statistic “In 2019, nearly 8 out of 10 repossessions resulted from late payments related to subprime auto loans” indicates that a significant proportion of vehicle repossessions during that year were triggered by delayed payments specifically linked to subprime auto loans. This suggests that individuals with lower credit scores or less favorable credit histories were more likely to face challenges in meeting their loan obligations, leading to repossession actions. The high proportion of repossessions tied to subprime auto loans highlights the potential risks and difficulties associated with borrowing in this segment of the lending market, underscoring the importance of responsible borrowing practices and financial management.

Texas leads the U.S. in car repossessions, with a rate of about 23.9 per 1,000 people.

The statistic that Texas leads the U.S. in car repossessions, with a rate of about 23.9 per 1,000 people, indicates the frequency of vehicle repossessions in Texas as compared to other states. A rate of 23.9 per 1,000 people implies that for every 1,000 residents in Texas, approximately 23.9 vehicles are repossessed due to non-payment or default. This statistic suggests that there may be higher levels of financial distress or instability among Texas residents, leading to a greater number of car repossessions. It could also reflect factors such as economic conditions, unemployment rates, or lending practices within the state that contribute to the elevated rate of repossessions. Further analysis and contextual information would be needed to fully understand the reasons behind Texas’ leading position in car repossessions in the U.S.

Car repossession rates peak at the age group of 30-49, at 0.3%.

The statistic indicates that car repossession rates reach their highest point within the age group of 30-49, with a rate of 0.3%. This means that individuals between the ages of 30 and 49 are more likely to have their cars repossessed compared to other age groups. There could be various reasons for this trend, including financial obligations such as mortgage payments, education loans, and raising a family, which may stretch their budgets and make it harder to keep up with car payments. Additionally, individuals in this age group may have more assets to be seized by creditors in the event of default, making them more vulnerable to repossession. Understanding these peak rates among 30-49 year-olds can provide valuable insights for financial institutions, policymakers, and individuals looking to manage their finances effectively.

In the U.S., 2% of auto loans are 90 days or more past due, increasing the risk of repossession.

This statistic indicates that 2% of auto loans in the United States are 90 days or more past due, highlighting a concerning trend of delinquency and increased risk of repossession. When borrowers fail to make timely payments on their auto loans, it not only affects their credit score and financial well-being but also puts the lender at risk of losing the collateral (the vehicle) through repossession. This level of delinquency may be indicative of economic challenges faced by some borrowers, potentially influenced by factors such as job loss, economic downturns, or personal financial mismanagement. Lenders and policymakers may need to closely monitor this trend to assess its impact on the financial health of individuals and the wider economy.

Vehicle repossession rates are highest among subprime borrowers, reaching as high as 9.5% in the fourth quarter of 2019.

The statistic indicates that subprime borrowers, who have lower creditworthiness and are deemed to be at higher risk for defaulting on their loans, experienced the highest vehicle repossession rates compared to other borrower groups. This signifies that nearly 9.5% of subprime borrowers had their vehicles repossessed in the fourth quarter of 2019, highlighting the financial challenges they may be facing. The high repossession rate suggests that a significant portion of subprime borrowers may have struggled to make their loan payments, possibly due to factors such as financial instability, high interest rates, or borrowing beyond their means. This statistic emphasizes the importance of assessing creditworthiness and the potential risks involved in lending to subprime borrowers in the auto finance industry.

From January to October 2020, 1 out of every 8,078 cars in the U.S. got repossessed.

The statistic stating that 1 out of every 8,078 cars in the U.S. was repossessed from January to October 2020 indicates the frequency of car repossessions during that time period. This means that for every 8,078 cars in the U.S., one of them was seized by a lender due to the owner’s failure to make timely payments. Car repossession is a significant event that can have financial consequences for individuals and may indicate economic difficulties, such as unemployment or financial distress. Analyzing this statistic can provide insights into the overall economic conditions and financial stability of car owners in the U.S. during the specified time frame.

In 2019, Wyoming reported the nation’s highest auto repossession rate, at 0.37%.

The statistic stating that in 2019, Wyoming reported the nation’s highest auto repossession rate of 0.37% means that out of the total number of auto loans in Wyoming, 0.37% of vehicles were repossessed due to non-payment. This statistic suggests that a relatively small proportion of auto loans in Wyoming resulted in repossession compared to other states in the nation. A high repossession rate can indicate financial challenges faced by consumers in making timely payments on their auto loans, potentially reflecting underlying economic conditions in the state. It may also indicate a potential risk for lenders in extending credit for vehicle purchases in Wyoming.

In the year 2020, only 26.23% of repossession orders issued were for cars.

In the year 2020, data shows that only 26.23% of repossession orders issued were specifically for cars. This statistic suggests that a relatively low proportion of repossession orders were related to vehicles compared to other types of assets or properties. It could indicate that economic conditions or factors affecting car ownership and payments may have played a role in the repossession activities during that year. This statistic highlights the significance of car repossession within the broader context of financial distress and default situations, providing insights into the distribution and trends of asset repossessions in 2020.

Nearly 1 in 10 customers with “deep subprime” credit scores who took out auto loans in 2019 had a car repossession.

The statistic reveals that approximately 10% of customers with “deep subprime” credit scores, which are the lowest credit scores indicating high credit risk, experienced car repossession after taking out auto loans in 2019. This indicates a concerning trend where individuals with the poorest credit profiles are facing challenges in meeting their loan obligations, leading to the repossession of their vehicles. The high rate of repossession among this specific group highlights the financial struggles they may face in managing their debt and underscores the importance of providing support and financial education to help them avoid such adverse outcomes in the future.

A 2019 study reported that approximately 6% of all auto loans in Florida ended in repossession.

The statistic, from a 2019 study, states that around 6% of all auto loans in Florida resulted in repossession. This percentage indicates the proportion of auto loans that were not successfully paid off by the borrowers, leading to the lender repossessing the vehicles. Repossession occurs when loan defaults are not resolved through alternative measures such as payment arrangements or refinancing. The 6% repossession rate suggests a noteworthy level of financial difficulty among borrowers in Florida, highlighting potential challenges in loan repayment and financial management within the state’s auto loan market.

In 2018, auto loan delinquency rates increased for the first time in three years, hitting 2.4% and boosting the car repossession rate.

The statistic indicates that in 2018, the rate of delinquent auto loans, meaning those that were not paid on time, increased for the first time in three years, reaching 2.4%. This rise in delinquency rates led to an increase in car repossession, where lenders take back vehicles from borrowers who have fallen behind on loan payments. The 2.4% delinquency rate suggests a higher number of borrowers struggling to make payments on their auto loans, which can have negative implications for both borrowers’ credit scores and the overall health of the auto loan market. The increase in car repossession rates is likely a consequence of the higher delinquency rates, as lenders take action to recover their assets when borrowers fail to meet their financial obligations.

In 2020, car repossession activity reduced by 50% due to Covid-19 pandemic compared to 2019.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, the number of car repossession activities decreased by 50% when compared to the previous year, 2019. This reduction in car repossession is attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic, which brought about significant economic disruptions leading to financial difficulties for many individuals and households. As a result, fewer individuals were able to make their car payments, ultimately resulting in a decline in repossession activities. This statistic highlights the direct impact of the pandemic on people’s financial situations and the broader economy, demonstrating the ripple effects of the crisis on various sectors such as the automotive industry and lending institutions.

As of 2019, the southern U.S. region reports higher rates of auto loan delinquency and repossession than other regions.

The statistic that the southern U.S. region reports higher rates of auto loan delinquency and repossession as of 2019 suggests that individuals in the southern states are more likely to fall behind on their car loan payments and have their vehicles repossessed compared to other regions in the United States. This could be indicative of various economic factors influencing the ability of residents in the southern states to meet their financial obligations, such as lower income levels, higher unemployment rates, or less access to credit. The higher rates of delinquency and repossession in the southern U.S. region highlight potential challenges faced by individuals in this area in managing their debt and financial responsibilities related to vehicle ownership.

Auto repossession rates tend to spike in the first quarter of any given year, by upto 10%.

The statistic suggests that there is a notable increase in auto repossession rates during the first quarter of each year, with the potential for a spike of up to 10%. This trend may be attributed to various factors such as the holiday season expenses, economic conditions, and a potential decrease in income after the new year. Lenders may also tighten their credit criteria at the beginning of the year, leading to higher default rates and subsequently more repossessions. Understanding this seasonal fluctuation in auto repossession rates can be valuable for financial institutions, policymakers, and individuals in preparing for potential challenges and implementing proactive measures to mitigate the impact of these spikes in the first quarter.

In the U.S., vehicle loan debt reached a record $1.2 trillion in 2020, contributing to an increase in potential vehicle repossessions.

The statistic that vehicle loan debt in the United States reached a record $1.2 trillion in 2020 signifies a significant financial burden on consumers and a potential risk for the auto finance industry. This high level of debt suggests that many individuals have taken out loans to purchase vehicles, increasing their overall financial obligations. With such a substantial amount of outstanding loan debt, there is a heightened risk of borrowers defaulting on their payments, leading to an increase in potential vehicle repossessions. As a result, lenders may face challenges in recovering the loans, and borrowers may experience negative consequences such as damaged credit scores and loss of their vehicles. Overall, this statistic highlights the importance of monitoring and managing debt levels to avoid financial hardships and repossession risks in the future.

As of 2019, the vehicle repossession rate was significantly higher among used cars financed through dealerships, at rates over 16% compared to less than 2% for new cars.

The statistic indicates that in 2019, there was a notable disparity in vehicle repossession rates between used cars financed through dealerships and new cars. Specifically, the data shows that over 16% of used cars financed through dealerships were repossessed, while less than 2% of new cars faced repossession. This substantial difference suggests that there may be greater financial risks associated with purchasing a used car through dealership financing, potentially due to factors such as higher interest rates, lower creditworthiness of buyers, or lower-quality vehicles. The statistic underscores the importance of considering various factors, such as vehicle condition, loan terms, and personal financial circumstances, when making decisions about car purchases and financing options.

About 22% of subprime auto loans result in default, leading to potential car repossessions.

The statistic indicates that approximately 22% of subprime auto loans ultimately end in default, signaling that these borrowers are failing to make their scheduled payments in a timely manner. As a consequence of defaulting on their loans, there is a heightened risk of car repossessions for these individuals. This statistic highlights the challenges faced by subprime borrowers, who typically have lower creditworthiness and may struggle to meet their financial obligations. The high default rate in subprime auto loans underscores the importance of careful screening and risk assessment by lenders when extending credit to individuals with less than ideal credit profiles.

References

0. – https://www.www.statista.com

1. – https://www.www.latimes.com

2. – https://www.www.newyorkfed.org

3. – https://www.www.cbinsights.com

4. – https://www.www.autoremarketing.com

5. – https://www.www.federalreserve.gov

6. – https://www.www.fool.com

7. – https://www.www.bankrate.com

8. – https://www.www.consumerfinance.gov

9. – https://www.www.cnbc.com

10. – https://www.www.creditkarma.com

11. – https://www.www.nerdwallet.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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